Panther Shootout

What is the Panther Shootout?

The Panther Shootout (PSO) is a post season tournament hosted by AYSO Region 42 at Peppertree Park on Thanksgiving weekend. The purpose of the PSO is to raise funds to support the Region. Funds are used for field improvements, equipment maintenance and upgrades, and cultural exchange, among other things. PSO is not the same as All-Stars, and the event is not directly considered developmental.

How are Coaches & Players Selected?

Coach Selection

Coaches (Head and Assistant) in good standing with the Region are selected by the Region Executive Board with guidance from the Division Director, in 10U through 14U divisions. Coaches who wish to be selected are expected to observe players throughout the season. PSO coaches may be the same as All-Star coaches, but that is not a priority.

Any Coach interested in being the Head Coach or Assistant Coach of a PSO team must apply by submitting a completed 2018 PSO Coach Application. PSO Coach applications are due by October 6. Completed applications must be emailed or hand delivered to the Division Director by the due date.

Regular season Coaches and Assistant Coaches must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered as a Coach or Assistant Coach for a PSO team:

Must have been a Coach or Assistant Coach in AYSO in the 2018 Fall Season;

Must have the minimum coaching certification required for that age division;

Must have a current Volunteer Form on file and have completed Safe Haven and concussion certification as of August 2016 or later.

We typically select two teams for PSO, designated “A” and “B” teams. In selecting “A” & “B” team coaches, the Board will consider, among other things, coaching ability, years of experience, discipline record, and demonstrated sportsmanship of the candidate. Volunteer service to the Region will also be considered. The Selection Committee will select PSO Coaches based upon the applications received and/or the Division Director’s recommendations. The 2018 PSO Coaches will be announced on or before Sunday, October 28.

Player Selection

Selected coaches will invite players to join Region 42’s PSO teams. Players must have played in the Region 42 2018 Fall core program and played in a minimum of half of their fall team’s games EXCEPT as limited by documented injuries. Guest players will not be considered. PSO is open to players in 10U, 12U and 14U. Selection for PSO does not mean a player will be selected for All-Star; they are separate events.

“A” team coaches will select players first, followed by “B” team coaches. Published dates for completion of player selection must be adhered to.

Head coaches of core teams are required to rate ALL of the players on their team. Selection for PSO teams will be based on the ratings, and observation by the PSO coach and/or Division Director. There is no guarantee that every Fall team will have a player on the PSO team, or that an equal number of players will come from each Fall team.

Number of Teams and Players

A & B teams for 10U Girls & Boys, each with 9 players

A & B teams for 12U Girls and 12U Boys, each with 11-12 players

A teams for 14U Girls and 14U Boys, each with 14 players.

Confidentiality

To avoid disappointing players, all aspects of the PSO selection process must be kept confidential. Coaches should not discuss ratings or who was selected as a player for any team until AFTER the regular season ends on November 10. The Head Coaches will then notify families that their players have been invited to play on the PSO team. This process may take several days to complete.

How long does the PSO commitment last?

Practices begin in November once the regular season ends. Typically only a few practices are possible in the weeks between the regular season and the tournament. The PSO tournament is a two-day event, with games played on Friday and Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving Day. Teams will play a minimum of three and a maximum of four games during the tournament.

How much does it cost?

All teams are self-funded with no scholarships offered. Cost of the tournament ranges from $450 to $500 per team depending on age group; typical cost per family is $50. The Region provides uniforms on loan to Newbury Park teams, so there is no uniform cost.